education
Teacher fired for misgendering trans student sues school for $1 million
A US high school teacher sacked last year for refusing to use a transgender student’s preferred pronouns is now suing school officials for religious discrimination. In the lawsuit, filed this week, French teacher Peter Vlaming said he was fired by West Point High School in Virginia after refusing to use “he” and “him” pronouns when …
Vatican rejects transgender identities in advice to Catholic schools
The Vatican has advised Catholic schools that transgender identities are “momentary desires” and an “annihilation of nature”. The 31-page teaching guide, titled Male and Female He Created Them, was released this week, in the middle of Pride Month. The document seeks to address a perceived “educational crisis” around “gender theory” and sex education. It rejects …
An intellectual shallow dive into the dangers of pop psychology
Pop psychology might better be described as psychobabble, because the uninformed teachings of self-taught ‘experts’ only serve to limit our human potential. Do you have an intellect, or just the box it came in? Let’s stop limiting ourselves and others. I often hear people artistic friends state that creativity trumps intelligence. But are we compelled …
Lyle Shelton blasts gender-neutral prayers in Brisbane Catholic schools
Brisbane Catholic schools’ use of gender-neutral descriptions of God during prayer has infuriated “religious freedom” campaigner Lyle Shelton. Shelton was responding to a Courier-Mail report that schools are replacing terms such as “Lord”, “Father”, and “Son” with terms like “Creator”, “Godself”, and “the Holy Spirit”. For instance, Stuartholme in Toowong has replaced the word “himself” …
Rainbow Hub to celebrate LUMINOUS Parade
Brisbane’s Rainbow Hub is a social group offering international queer students in Brisbane a safe, happy space. At the Hub, students can celebrate identity and diversity without discrimination or judgement. Students will join the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade this year. Together with regular events at the Hub, the students participate in large social events throughout the …
$1.5k bursary on offer to Sunshine Coast LGBTIQ uni student
The University of the Sunshine Coast is offering a $1,500 bursary to an LGBTIQ student to aid their studies. USC say the grant will recognise a student’s efforts contributing to an inclusive culture on campus. It will provide financial support to a LGBTIQ student and demonstrates a commitment to promoting greater campus understanding. The Sunshine Coast …
Federal government orders review of religious legal exemptions
The federal government has launched a review into religious exemptions in anti-discrimination laws that allow religious institutions to discriminate against LGBT students and teachers. Attorney-General Christian Porter said on Wednesday the government has asked the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to undertake the review following the release of the Ruddock religious freedom review panel’s report …
‘The closet I built ended up a cage’: LGBTIQ mental health at work
A toxic workplace culture is bad for all employees, but can be a particular burden on LGBTIQ employees, already stigmatised by their sexuality or identity, writes RJ Miles. I wish workplace mental health initiatives were more about helping people to understand the psychology of burnout and less about getting people to do yoga. The benefits …
Greens slam renewal of $245 million school chaplain program in federal budget
The Greens have slammed the federal government’s renewal of funding for the national school chaplaincy program, saying LGBTIQ students would be better supported by secular counsellors. In Tuesday night’s Budget, the federal government announced that the program would be continue to be funded $245.7 million over the next four years. “$245.7 million for religious chaplains …
Academic grant of $1000 on offer to queer female student in Brisbane
Female students in Brisbane who identify as LGBTIQ are eligible to apply for a $1,000 grant to aid their studies. The bursary is sponsored by Central Ward Councillor Vicki Howard and focusses on female students living in the Brisbane City Council area and who identify with the LGBTIQ community. The bursary is one of more …